Science and technology studies

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Science and technology studies

Science and technology studies (STS) is an interdisciplinary field that examines the creation, development, and consequences of science and technology in their cultural, social, and historical contexts. STS scholars investigate how social, political, and cultural values affect scientific research and technological innovation, and how these, in turn, affect society, politics, and culture.

History[edit | edit source]

The field of STS emerged in the 1960s and 1970s, influenced by the work of historians, philosophers, and sociologists of science. Key figures in the development of STS include Thomas Kuhn, whose book The Structure of Scientific Revolutions introduced the concept of paradigm shifts in scientific knowledge, and Bruno Latour, known for his work in actor-network theory.

Key Concepts[edit | edit source]

STS encompasses a variety of concepts and approaches, including:

Actor-network theory (ANT): A framework developed by Bruno Latour, Michel Callon, and John Law that examines the interconnectedness of human and non-human actors in the creation of scientific knowledge and technological systems.
Social construction of technology (SCOT): A theory that argues that technology is shaped by social, economic, and political factors, rather than just by technical or scientific considerations.
Technological determinism: The idea that technology develops according to its own logic and shapes society in a deterministic way.
Epistemology: The study of knowledge, including how scientific knowledge is produced and validated.

Methodologies[edit | edit source]

STS employs a range of methodologies, including:

Ethnography: The in-depth study of people and cultures, often used to examine scientific laboratories and technological workplaces.
Historical analysis: The study of the historical development of science and technology.
Quantitative research: The use of statistical methods to analyze data related to science and technology.

Applications[edit | edit source]

STS has practical applications in various fields, including:

Policy studies: Informing science and technology policy by understanding the social dimensions of scientific and technological issues.
Science communication: Improving the communication of scientific and technological information to the public.
Innovation studies: Examining the processes and impacts of technological innovation.